During the past three years I have found myself in the very privileged position of being able to walk part of life's journey with the teachers, pupils, parents, staff and management of Ballincollig Community School. I have shared in people's sorrow, joy, anger and pain. First years often ask me, what does the chaplain do? My simple answer is, I am there for everyone. In an increasingly complex world where everyone is under more and more pressure I offer a safe haven where people can be themselves, vent their anger, cry their tears and express their hopes. As chaplain I see Christ as my model and I try to answer the call to be a witness to His presence within the school community, bringing His love joy peace and justice, to each situation I'm in and each encounter I have. I am here to invite, to encourage but never to force myself on people. Like Jesus on the road to Emmaus, I try to meet people in their present situation, I walk with them, I invite them to a fuller life in Christ. I acknowledge their fears hopes and needs, and I accompany those who wish to have a closer relationship with the Lord. Jean Vanier sums this up in another way in his book The Body Broken - Journey to Wholeness. He says: It is important to approach people in their brokenness and littleness gently so gently, not forcing yourself upon them but accepting them as they are with humility and respect.

As we in Ballincollig Community School join with the local community in celebrating the opening of our new school building, I pray that Ballincollig Community School will always be a place where each person feels valued for who they are, unique and special with their own individual gifts and talents and that all of us can work together to ensure that Jesus love, joy, peace and justice will be ever present within these walls.